The Hanford City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday and is set to reject a claim that Community Development Director Darlene Mata made against the city.

Mata was seeking a settlement payment of $1.25 million from the city, as well as conflicts of interest and council member roles/responsibilities training for all council members, after alleging former council member Art Brieno subjected her to a hostile work environment and unlawful workplace conduct, including gender harassment.

Brieno resigned from his position on the council during a Jan. 26 closed session meeting about the claim.

According to the agenda, city staff recommends council reject Mata’s claim and direct the City Attorney’s office and staff to send a notice of rejection of the claim.

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